Eli Manning denies calling out Donald Trump's name in audible

Martin Rogers, USA Today Sports , KGW2:39 PM. PDT October 23, 2016

Quarterback Eli Manning (10) of the New York Giants prepares for the snap during the fourth quarter of the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium. (Photo: Steve Flynn, USA TODAY Sports)

LONDON -- Eli Manning denied that the New York Giants used an audible play call that referenced Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during Sunday’s victory over the Los Angeles Rams – but not before sparking a swathe of internet chatter.

The Giants quarterback ignited much speculation during the second quarter of his team’s hard-earned 17-10 triumph at Twickenham Stadium, with several viewers taking to social media to voice their belief that Manning had yelled: “Trump! Trump Trump!” on a 1st-and-10 at midfield.

“Trump? Trump? No, no Trump, no Trump calls,” Manning said in his post-game news conference. “We are using something very similar. But there is not a Trump, not an audible we are using. Nothing there, nothing there.”

By then, however, the topic was already trending online as many wondered if Manning had concocted a new audible that would surely rival his brother Peyton’s iconic “Omaha!” in terms of interest.

The NFL Network broadcast team coverage the early kickoff discussed the topic, and were certain that America’s most infamous businessman-turned-politician had been referenced.

On the political front, both Manning brothers donated $2,700 to former Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush, who dropped out of the campaign in February. Father Archie Manning backed Bobby Jindal, whose dismal campaign ended last November.